Audioengine A5 (black)
Manufacturer: Audioengine Corp. Part number: A5B
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- You'd be hard-pressed to find a pair of powered stereo speakers at this price point that sounds better--and offer more flexibility--than the Audioengine 5s.
Read more
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CNET editors' review
Audioengine A5 (black) price range: $269.92 - $399.00
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Edited by: John P. Falcone
- Reviewed on: 03/26/2010
The good: The powered Audioengine 5 speakers deliver phenomenal sound and offer simple, attractive styling. They feature two audio inputs and two integrated charging options (one USB port, one AC plug). Speaker wire connections mean that you can optimize stereo separation.
The bad: The speakers aren't cheap, and many will find them to be too large and bulky compared with PC speakers. There's no remote control, and no way to toggle between inputs.
The bottom line: You'd be hard-pressed to find a pair of powered stereo speakers at this price point that sounds better--and offer more flexibility--than the Audioengine 5s.
Editors' note (February 21, 2012): The speakers reviewed here have been replaced by the newer Audioengine 5+ speakers.
We've been a little tardy in reviewing Audioengine's PC speakers, but we're glad we finally got our hands on both the 5 series ($325) reviewed here and the step-down Audioengine 2 series ($199) because they really are quite impressive.
The key thing to note about both sets of speakers is that they are bookshelf-style speakers masquerading as PC or "multimedia" speakers (as these things are apt to be labeled). But unlike classic bookshelf speakers, these Audioengine models are powered (via a standard AC plug); there's no need for a separate receiver or amplifier, so you can use them with any audio source. The larger 5 series is the more industrial-looking (read: less stylish) of the two models and appears to share some heritage with monitor speakers you'd find in a recording studio. It's available in either black or white, as are the 2s. There's also a bamboo version of the 5 series that costs $449.
The Audioengine 5 speakers measure 10 inches high by 7 inches wide by 7.9 inches deep. They each have a 5-inch Kevlar woofer and a 20mm silk dome tweeter. Because the left speaker houses the amplifier (50 watts per channel), it's heavier than the right speaker. Unlike the 2s, which are ported on the front, the 5s are ported on the rear.
It's worth noting that both the 2 and 5 series Audioengine speakers come nicely packaged, with cloth covers over the speakers and cables. The left and right speakers connect to each other with "real" speaker wire (included) and you also get an input cable that allows you to connect your PC to the 3.5mm aux input on the back of the left speaker. The use of standard cables means that--unlike some speakers with proprietary connections and cables--you can invest in custom-length cables that are as long or as short as you'd like.
What's most unique about the Audioengine 5 speakers is the 3.5mm aux input on top of the left speaker that sits next to a USB port. To be clear, the USB port is only for power, not for reading audio files; it also doesn't allow pass-through syncing to PCs. But that combination of USB power-plus-audio input allows you to charge your iPod/iPhone with a USB cable while you're listening to your music. And though the cables make it a bit less appealing to the eye than a standard iPod dock, the combo is far more universal in its compatibility: you can charge 'n' play any USB-powered audio device, including a wide array of non-Apple music phones and media players.
It gets even better: the second 3.5mm input on the left speaker's backside is located near a full-on AC power jack. Audioengine touts the fact that you can plug an Apple AirPort Express directly into the outlet, turning the speakers into an iTunes streamer (via Apple's AirTunes functionality). Of course, that outlet can also power any other audio source--anything from a Sonos or Squeezebox streamer to a CD player.
Note that you can't toggle between inputs; both are always active. That's either going to be a feature (say, the ability to listen to music from an iPod while being able to hear the bleeping and blooping from your PC) or a bug (the constant need to mute one audio source while listening to the other), depending on your point of view.
Speaking of controls: no remote is included, and we should point out that the volume control button is on the front of the left speaker. Unlike with the 2s, that volume knob doesn't double as the power switch; there's a separate power toggle on the back of the speaker. However, Audioengine has equipped the 5s with an autosleep power-save mode that kicks in after about 10 minutes when no audio passes through the speakers. That said, some people have complained that the speakers make a sound when the power-save mode kicks in--and it can be fairly loud if you have your volume up high--which you may find annoying.
Also of note: though the Audioengines aren't technically "certified for iPhone," they are magnetically shielded. We didn't experience any GSM interference from the iPhone (those annoying clicks and buzzes that can afflict nonshielded speakers), even when we left it directly on top.
Audioengine sells some accessories, including the S8 subwoofer ($350) and a couple of wireless adapters (the W1 and W2) for its speaker line. The subwoofer connects via the red/white RCA stereo outputs on the left speaker's backside. It would obviously allow you to get more bass and even richer sound, but the appeal of these speakers is that you can really do without the sub.
It's hard to quantify just how much better the Audioengine 5s sound than the Audioengine 2s, but they definitely deliver bigger, richer sound with deep, tight bass, and excellent clarity--and they play very loud. With higher-end PC speakers you just get fuller, smoother sound that has that much more detail, and when you listen to these guys, you start to hear stuff (i.e., individual instruments) in your music that you weren't aware was there. They easily best more-expensive iPod speakers out there, including those from Bose and B&W, which retail in some cases for twice as much.
When we review PC speakers, we like to throw an eclectic mix of music at them, as well as a couple of action movie and games (usually a first-person shooter or two). We also like to do a little jury testing, and for this review, we pulled in Steve Guttenberg, who reviews home theater speakers for CNET and had previously praised the Audioengine 2s and the Audioengine P4s (unpowered, passive bookshelf speakers) in his Audiophiliac blog. Steve thought the Audioengine 5s sounded great and were clearly superior to the 2s, but he liked the 2s for their smaller footprint, sleeker look, and more affordable price tag.
It's true: For some, this model will just seem too bulky to leave sitting on a desk. They truly are bookshelf speakers with--as we said--a more industrial, monitor flair to them. However, the bottom line here is that you're going to be hard-pressed to find a 2.0 system that sounds better, particularly at this price point, and that has the 5s' connectivity options. Yes, we could quibble about there not being an integrated iPod dock and remote, but in the end, the extra input and USB port on top of the speaker, combined with the speakers' exceptional sound, make the Audioengine 5s worthy of an Editors' Choice award.
User reviews
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Great Speakers for Music and Budget Home Theater
by mhampton on November 17, 2009
Pros: Low cost for quality product. Easy to setup and use, good clear room filling sound for the money with virtually no distortion.
Cons: Protective speaker grills would be nice. Adjustable Bass/Treble on the speakers, infrared connection in order to support a programmable remote control.
Summary: (I wrote most of this response over in the CNET Audiophile column that reviewed the Audioengine A4's, and I am putting here because no one has reviewed these speakers.)...
Summary: (I wrote most of this response over in the CNET Audiophile column that reviewed the Audioengine A4's, and I am putting here because no one has reviewed these speakers.)
While the A5's are generally well regarded as a pc/mp3 speaker system, I have the A5's as a full time speaker system for my 42" flat screen in a 15' by 25' room. They sound great! I also have an Infinity 12" subwoofer attached to them, but in fact, leave it off most of the time.
As an inexpensive self powered speaker system, I think the A5's are a great alternative to most soundbars. I've owned a Zvox, Soundmatters, and have listened to the other popular soundbar systems. I think the A5's have a more natural room filling sound with TV as well as music than most soundbars, and they are only $350 a pair!.
For easy hookup and sound management, I simply connected the A5's to the sound out jacks on my TV, and connect all my audio and video components output thru the TV's component inputs - no need for a switching receiver. I adjust the bass/treble thru the TV, and also adjust the volume level by simply using the remote for whatever component I'm watching at the time (DVD, TV, etc.)
I also have an Apple Airport Express (set as a wireless client) connected to the auxillary jack on the back of the main speaker. I use the Airfoil PC software application to send Rhapsody and Pandora music across the room to the speakers via Airport Express - very nice.
I'm surprised CNET has yet to provide a full review of the Audioengine A5's as a music system and as an alternative to soundbars....6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Speakers go loud... and then go silent.
by vader1986 on August 13, 2010
Pros: I've had my speakers for about 1 week and have had them playing wirelessly, beautifully, at about 30% of max volume.
Cons: Today, to entertain myself while during chores throughout my house, I turned the speakers up to 70% of max. They played beautifully for 30 minutes, then went silent. Googling over-heating & audioengine, I learned that this is a common issue.
Summary: Perhaps as Steve Jobs said, I am holding the speakers wrong. The bottom-line is that these speakers are flawed - period. Any review that touts the fact that the speakers ...
Summary: Perhaps as Steve Jobs said, I am holding the speakers wrong. The bottom-line is that these speakers are flawed - period. Any review that touts the fact that the speakers are loud is incomplete and frankly, dishonest. The speakers go loud, but cannot be played loudly, so what is the point. The response from the folks at Audioengine is... oh yeah, that. They suggest a fan. Horrible business ethics
These speakers are poorly design. They do not have a proper heat-sink and therefore cannot perform as advertised.5 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great sound, poor support
by DocBokchoy on September 23, 2010
Pros: Great sound, sexy design, great packaging, convenient USB input and audio inputs on top and back of speaker.
Cons: Poor support, overheats, annoying auto-shutoff pop.
Summary: I bought these speakers after reading so much praise on various websites and forums. Back in March I finally pulled the trigger and was glad I made my purchase. About ...
Summary: I bought these speakers after reading so much praise on various websites and forums. Back in March I finally pulled the trigger and was glad I made my purchase. About 3-4 weeks ago I noticed a crackling and popping noise coming from only the right speaker. I figured it was on my end so I diagnosed the problem and found out no matter what I get the crackling sound as soon as any audio is introduced to the speaker (soundcard, mp3 player). So I read how great their support was and shot over an email. I had to give them all of my information regarding when and where I purchased my speakers plus I had to ship it off to their warehouse at MY expense. Right now it's been over 2 weeks and my RMA still has not been processed. Everytime I shoot over and email asking the status of my speakers or call them they give me the same answer that they have been very busy and my RMA will be processed in 1-2 days. It's very frustrating and everywhere on the web I see people who had brand new speakers shipped out to them in a matter of days! I will never buy Audioengine again and I will not recommend them to anyone who asks.
4 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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rich SOUND QUALITY FOR ITS SIZE,overheating failure :(
by THEITREVOLUTION on April 4, 2010
Pros: unique sound quality, excellent features such as connections , useful for music,movies & gaming.
Cons: overheating too much...When I turn them up loud for more than 45minutes or so they tend to cut out until they cool down for 5 or 10minutes. everyone who owns the speakers have same problem....(Google it to find out)
Summary: when i obtained the speakers i had a complete satisfaction the sound quality & connections. they re the best portable speaker I ever had. also delivery a impressive sound level ...
Summary: when i obtained the speakers i had a complete satisfaction the sound quality & connections. they re the best portable speaker I ever had. also delivery a impressive sound level for the size..don't buy them if you the time of person who don't want to deal with overheating problems...the build in amp within the left speaker is the major concern because when the speaker gets hot level volume , the tend to cut out until they cool down for 5 or 10 minutes, at one point this is so disappointing..maybe if the amps had more WAtts or a better resistance , i would suggest to buy them & give a perfect rating)..please consider my review.
I'm agree with vader1986, these speaker offer a great sound, but if you go loud... the speakers go silent... @bootspurs, you re just don't make any sense ...the A5s has a serious problem..i cant stand this issue.and they really overheat, which seems as result of their internal amps...its very disappointing...and to be honest , its no only me the one having this experience, its a very common problem with these speakers..just Google it, ..
Updated on Sep 22, 20103 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great speakers
Pros: Great speakers
Cons: non so far
Summary: If you get it you won't regret
Summary: If you get it you won't regret
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great sound for a small room.
by Florida Panther on December 1, 2011
Pros: Excellent sound, versatile, and well built.
Cons: I can see that cooling could be a problem at high output.
Summary: I have a very small room in my condo for entertainment. I settled on a 37 inch TV - about as big as the space would allow. I added a ...
Summary: I have a very small room in my condo for entertainment. I settled on a 37 inch TV - about as big as the space would allow. I added a DVR and Blu-ray player. Music is streamed from my iMac - in another room - via AirTunes and an Airport Express.
My speakers are A5B+, which now has a remote. The remote controls volume and mute and will put the speakers into sleep mode at a power consumption of only 4 watts..
Sound quality is truly excellent - I think it abetter than any Bose I have ever owned and comparable to what B&W I've experienced.
Cooling is provided by an finned heat sink on the rear of the left speaker. Based on my experience, I would think it marginal at high power output. Also, the manual says it is acceptable to lay the speaker on its side; this would considerably impair the cooling. If one wants to play it loudly, be sure to allow adequate air flow around the unit - or consider a tiny cooling fan.
Overall, I couldn't be happier! -
Expensive, but good!
by TrelaJoman on December 20, 2010
Pros: Great sound
Cons: Expensive and heavy
Summary: I'm on my second pair of A5s. The first pair died after two years. I use these with my bedroom flat screen. They sound great. They get loud and ...
Summary: I'm on my second pair of A5s. The first pair died after two years. I use these with my bedroom flat screen. They sound great. They get loud and have a good amount of bass. They aren't cheap, but if you can afford the coin, they are worth it.
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Great Speakers
by agentbb007 on December 15, 2010
Pros: Great sound, can play very loud. Movies sound amazing on them.
Cons: None so far
Summary: Just got these speakers last night and they are awesome. I have B&W's in my living room setup and got these to use with my computer. I ...
Summary: Just got these speakers last night and they are awesome. I have B&W's in my living room setup and got these to use with my computer. I have to say they sound very comparable to my B&W's.
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Great sound, solid construction, excellent support
by kangotang on June 19, 2010
Pros: VERY powerful
Rich, clean sound
Punchy bass (and plenty of it)
Solid construction
Amazing customer supportCons: First set was defective
Summary: The first set of A5's I ordered had a defect that caused the right speaker to cut out from time to time. However, after after sending Audioengine an email, ...
Summary: The first set of A5's I ordered had a defect that caused the right speaker to cut out from time to time. However, after after sending Audioengine an email, they immediately shipped a replacement speaker to me along with a pre-paid shipping label. No questions asked, no hassle. The replacement worked perfectly. You don't find that kind of support too often these days.
As for the speakers - the sound is quite good. Clean, detailed high frequency and midrange, and plenty of bass. I can't see too many applications where a sub would be necessary, although there is sub output. As with any ported speakers you need to be careful where you place these to get the most accurate bass. If they are on a desk, close to a wall, the bass will sound boomy and overwhelming.
While these speakers are marketed toward iPod users, it should be noted that the sound quality is good enough to "expose" the iPod's weaknesses. I can tell a noticeable difference between my iPod, and the same music played from my computer. And while the speakers work very well with compressed music, anything under 192kbps is going to be disappointing with speakers of this quality.
Bottom line: for $325 you will be VERY hard-pressed to find a set of powered speakers, or a speaker amp combo for that matter, that sounds as good these do. -
Better than a soundbar.
by david18322 on March 29, 2010
Pros: Excellent sound, no need for an external amp, and can be made wireless.
Cons: None that I can think of.
Summary: Truly excellent sound, this set is better than most iPod speakers. I use these with the wireless adapter sold by Audioengine, and this allows me to stream directly from my ...
Summary: Truly excellent sound, this set is better than most iPod speakers. I use these with the wireless adapter sold by Audioengine, and this allows me to stream directly from my laptop. I looked at soundbars, and didn't like any of them. I wanted something with audiophile quality that could work with laptops and streaming. This is it.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Audioengine Corp.
- Part number: A5B
- Description: Audioengine 5 is a full size speaker system in a bookshelf-sized package. Internal power amps eliminate the need to connect the Audioengine 5 to a bulky stereo receiver or power amplifier. And with built-in subwoofer ports, the Audioengine 5 adds incredible low-end bass without the need for an external subwoofer.
General
- Product Type PC multimedia speakers
- Speakers included 2 speakers
- Enclosure Material MDF
Speaker Features
- Speaker Type 2-way - Active
- Woofer size (inches) 5 in,
20 mm - Nominal Output Power (Total) 45 Watt
- Max (RMS) Output Power (Total) 70 Watt
- Response Bandwidth 50 - 22000 Hz
- Input Impedance 10 KOhm
- Signal-To-Noise Ratio 95 dB
- Total Harmonic Distortion 0.05%
- Magnet Type Neodymium
- Magnetic Shield Yes
- Audio Amplifier Integrated
- Connectivity Technology Wired
- Recommended Placing Bookshelf
- Controls Volume,
Power on/off Speaker Details
- Features 2 x Right/left channel speaker - 2-way - 45 Watt - 50 - 22000 Hz - 10 KOhm - Bookshelf - Wired
- Driver Details Right/left channel speaker : 1 x Woofer driver - 5 in - Kevlar,
Right/left channel speaker : 1 x Tweeter driver - 20 mm - Silk Connections
- Connector Type 2 x Audio line-in ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm ),
1 x DC power output ( 4 pin USB Type A ),
1 x Audio line-out PC Speakers (Extended Specs)
- Width 7 in
- Depth 7.8 in
- Height 10 in
- Enclosure Color Black
- Battery type None
- Cable(s) Included 1xPower cable,
1xAudio cable 6.6 ft,
2xAudio cable 8 in,
1xAudio splitter,
1xUSB cable 3.3 ft,
1xSpeaker cable 12.5 ft - Cables included qty 1,
2 - Cables length 6.6 ft,
8 in,
3.3 ft,
12.5 ft - Cables type Power cable,
Audio cable,
Audio splitter,
USB cable,
Speaker cable - Component depth 7.8 in
- Component height 10 in
- Component weight 8.8 lbs,
14.1 lbs - Component width 7 in
- Full contract period 3 years
- Power device form factor Internal
- Power device frequency required 50/60 Hz
- Power device type Power supply
- Service & support details type Limited warranty
Miscellaneous
- MP3 Player Compatibility iPod with video (5G),
iPod nano - Cables Included 1 x Power cable,
1 x Audio cable - 6.6 ft,
2 x Audio cable - 8 in,
1 x Audio splitter,
1 x USB cable - 3.3 ft,
1 x Speaker cable - 12.5 ft Power
- Power Device Power supply - Internal
- Power AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )
Battery
- Type None
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 3 years warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 3 years
Product series
-
Manufacturer: Audioengine Corp.
Specs: Bookshelf,
Wired,
Caramel,
2-way - Active,
10 KOhm,
50 Watt -
Manufacturer: Audioengine Corp.
Specs: PC multimedia speakers,
Wired,
Black,
2-way - Active,
10 KOhm,
45 Watt -
Manufacturer: Audioengine Corp.
Specs: Bookshelf,
Wired,
High-gloss white,
2-way - Active,
10 KOhm,
50 Watt
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Audioengine Corp. products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Audioengine Corp.
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